Over 27 million Americans (of all ages) receive chiropractic treatment each year. Whether you are ready to join these numbers or are still on the fence, learning a little bit of information about what to expect during your first chiropractic visit in Tucker, GA may prove to be beneficial. This is especially helpful for individuals who are anxious about their first chiropractic visit. It can be helpful to gain a better understanding of what a normal chiropractic visit looks like.
Setting Up Your First Appointment
Some chiropractic offices do not require an appointment, meaning you can walk in whenever you are ready to be seen. A referral is not necessary nor is insurance – so if you don’t have either you can still be seen by a licensed chiropractor. If you do not have an appointment, be prepared for a short wait time before you get to see your doctor.
Before reading on, it is important to know that chiropractic offices don’t always operate in the same way. Some don’t administer as many tests while others may offer more. Some offices offer pre-adjustment therapies while others do not. This guide serves as a baseline to help you better understand what your experience might be like at your first chiropractic visit to Tucker.
Your First Visit
You may have to fill out some initial paperwork. This may include a questionnaire about your health history in addition to any health conditions you currently have. This information helps your chiropractor to get a better idea of your current needs. Some of the questions asked may include:
- When did your pain start?
- Describe your pain. Is it dull, sharp, burning, throbbing, sudden, continuous, etc.?
- Where is your pain located?
- Do certain activities make your pain feel worse or better?
- Did your pain begin after an injury?
Once your paperwork is filled out, your chiropractor will talk with you further about your condition. Some offices wait to obtain this information until they see you, choosing to forego the option of having the patient fill out paperwork.
Chiropractic Exam
A thorough exam might be assessed by your chiropractor or a practitioner within his or her office. General health tests such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration and reflexes may be assessed. Specialized tests to obtain information about your muscle strength/tone, range of motion and neurological integrity may be assessed as well.
Some chiropractors perform diagnostic tests, including x-rays to get a better idea of what is going on in your body. Your chiropractor may also order MRIs or other lab tests.
Once all of the tests are complete, your chiropractor will sit down with you to explain any information gathered. You will also receive a diagnosis and a proposed treatment plan, telling you of any adjustments that are recommended and any further information regarding your treatment.
Once treatment begins, you may first be offered a treatment option to help relax your muscles, such as a water table massage or electrotherapy. This step can help your chiropractic treatment to be more effective. Not all chiropractors begin treatment this way, however.
When it is time for your chiropractic treatment, you will be adjusted on a comfortable table made specifically for chiropractic manipulation. You will not need to change into any special clothing. Your adjustment may require you to be face down for part of it – or you may be adjusted while on your side, lying on your back or sitting upright.
You may hear popping sounds when your adjustment is delivered but there is nothing to worry about. These are simply the sounds of your joints releasing tiny gas pockets. An adjustment by a chiropractor does not affect the bones on either side of the joint but instead the connective tissue between the bones.
Your chiropractor may also prescribe other treatment modalities, including soft tissue handling modalities, such as massage, hot/cold application or electrical stimulation. You may also be instructed to do strengthening or stretching exercises to help improve coordination, muscle balance and strength.
Chiropractic care is non-invasive, drug-free and safe way to manage your pain and restore your overall well-being as much as possible. There is no time like the present to schedule your first chiropractic visit in Tucker, GA today.
